"An Illustrated History of the Big Bend Country; Embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin Counties; State of Washington". Spokane, Western Historical Publishing Company, Publishers, 1904. pp. 827-828. THOMAS A. GERMAN is one of the sturdy and progressive citizens of Adams county who gives his attention to tilling the soil. His postoffice is Delight and he has a good farm near by. Thomas A. German was born in Lewis county, Missouri, on September 27, 1867. His parents, R. D. and M. N. (Hamilton) German, were natives of Germany and Missouri, respectively. The father came to America in 1841, and located in Missouri, where he remained until his death. The mother now lives at Ellensburg, Washington. They are the parents of twelve children named as follows: William, deceased, Bell, E. R., L. A., Alice E., Nettie, John O., R. S., C. A., B. H., Dollie, deceased, and Blanch, deceased. Our subject received his education from the common schools of his native county and at the age of seventeen exchanged the schoolroom for work on the farm, having to assist his mother in the support of the family. For five years, he labored there then came on west to Oregon. At first he gave his attention to stock raising and general work on the railroad. After that, he spent five years in a flour mill and perfected himself in the art of the miller during this time, then he came to Adams county in 1896 and took a homestead where he now resides. He has improved the place in first class shape, having it all under cultivation, fenced, provided with water, buildings, orchard and so forth. Mr. German does not handle as much land as some of the farmers but he does well what he does do and his farm is very productive. In 1893, occurred the marriage of Mr. German and Maude Burkhart, the daughter of M. L. and M. E. Burkhart, natives of Missouri. In 1889, Mr. Burkhart came to Washington bringing his family with him and locating in Adams county, where they now reside. He has a very large farm and is one of the leading men of this section. Mrs. German has one sister, Rose L., and two brothers, L. G. and Archie. To Mr. and Mrs. German, four children have been born, Helen, Claude, Neva and R. D. Mr. German is an old fashioned Jeffersonian Democrat and well posted in matters pertaining to politics. He is now holding the office of school director and has given much attention to the improvement and betterment of educational facilities. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. and the W. W. His wife belongs to the Rebekah lodge and they are both active and leading members of the Christian church. Submitted by: Georgia Harter Williams, georgiahw@earthlink.net